The can-do, cooperative American spirit in action

Twenty years ago, when the Statler Brothers ended their annual Happy Birthday U.S.A celebrations in Gypsy Hill Park, Staunton’s Independence Day fireworks could have also gone dark. They didn’t, thanks to a lot of hard work by a dedicated cadre of private citizens.

America’s Birthday Celebration offers a full Friday, with music, food, amusement rides and games, a 7:30 a.m. 5K, a 10 a.m. parade and 10 p.m. fireworks. The food and amusements cost money. Everything else, including rides on The Gypsy Express, is free.

Though funding has not always come easy, ABC remains in the hands of volunteers. We can think of no other local festival this size that doesn’t have paid staff – through a supporting business or government or non-profit agency — tending to the details. Staunton city public safety and parks and recreation employees work hard at the event, no doubt. But a volunteer committee works year-round to make the plan and execute it.

These volunteers embody the American can-do, cooperative spirit. We congratulate and thank them.

We also send gratitude to two civic groups that made large contributions to the 2014 celebration. Staunton Elks Lodge 315 sponsors the fireworks, and Elliott’s Knob Aerie 680 sponsors the headline entertainment, 10 Spot.

Thanks, everyone, for keeping the Fourth of July lively and fun in Staunton. Happy birthday, America!